After three weeks of training camp the Peninsula Panthers have finalized their opening night roster for the 2009-2010 season. The team features seven returning players, three on defense and four on forward. The Panthers are also introducing eight rookies into the VIJHL this year.
Brady Berisoff (90) and rookie Lukas Simpson (91) will handle the crease duties for the Panthers. Brady was acquired for defenseman Ian Ellenberger from the Fernie Ghostriders of the KIJHL and Simpson is a Victoria product who played Midget hockey on the lower mainland last season.
The defense is anchored by three returning veterans, Brian Cross (89), Jake Bryan (91), and David Courtney (89). Mike Scarborough (90) will be rejoining the Panthers after two seasons in the WHL with the Red Deer Rebels and Regina Pats. Rookies Kurtis Rumenovich (92) and Josh Bryan (93) will round out the defensive lineup after both playing last year for the South Island Major Midget Thunderbirds. Josh Bryan was returned to the Grizzlies after being a very late cut by the Victoria Grizzlies of the BCHL.
Up front the Panthers will be led by returning veterans James Kellington (91), Justin Issac (90), Erik Larsen (91), and Carson Baillie (89). Four veteran forwards were also acquired by off-season trades. Tanner Carter (89) will be joining the team from the Kerry Park Islanders, Evan Campbell (90) from the Nelson Leafs, Adam Taylor (89) from the Fernie Ghostriders, and Brock Dodsworth (91) after being released by the Westshore Stingers. The Panthers will feature four strong rookies up front. Gerry Fitzgerald (93) joins the team from the North Island MM Silvertips and will be joined by Josh Bloomenthal (92) from the South Island MM Thunderbirds. Tyrell Turgeon (91) comes from Fort St James Midget A while local Sydney resident Sam Johnston (92) has made the team out of camp after spending last season with the Okanagen Hockey Academy.
Jason Diehl, who was acquired from the Columbia Valley Rockies of the KIJHL, will be starting the season with the Williams Lake TimberWolves of the BCHL after a strong preseason showing. In addition, LW Greg Simpson, RW Bryce Twa, and C Blake Huppert have all made the jump to Jr A. Simpson and Twa will be playing for the BCHL's Victoria Grizzlies while Blake will be playing for the NAHL's Alaska Avalance. The Peninsula Panthers would like to wish all four player the best of luck in Jr A.
The Panthers would also like to announce David Courtney will be the team's captain this season. Brian Cross and Justin Issac will both wear A's as Assistant Captains.
